Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Patrick Daaor, has warned criminals to stay away from the state, just as the command arrested 20 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists. He told the Inspector General of Police Conference in Abuja: “My vision is to focus on proactive initiatives designed to deny safe haven to criminal elements.
“The command has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of its crime prevention strategies with community policing serving as the foundation element of approach. I have charged officers to uphold the highest standard of professionalism, discipline, dedication, integrity and transparency in the course of their duties. They should also shun corruption and illegal duties.
“On August 21, 2026, we marked the Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day, an initiative of the Inspector of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, with a walk-out in Benin. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we held a three-day Youth Engagement programme on medical services and health awareness to young people and members of the community. We held discussions covering crime prevention, drug abuse, cultism, political and digital thuggery, responsible use of social media, youth participation in community policing and other emerging security challenges.
We want to thank Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support in providing us operational vehicle with other sister security agencies to flush out hoodlums from the state. Joint border security patrols were conducted with our Kogi State counterpart along the Okene/Achi Expressway to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“We went into the kene forest, which shares boundary with Edo Okpella to assess the terrain and identify routes that could be exploited by criminals. Kidnapping concerns along the Okene/Auchi Expressway have prompted the command to strengthen its security partnership with neighbouring Kogi State. We engaged the Kogi State command and other stakeholders on the security situation. A stronger collaboration between security agencies and border communities is key to denying kidnappers and other criminals safe havens.
“Operatives arrested a 52-year-old allegedly engaged as a home lesson teacher. He was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year girl. the suspect was charged before the Benin High Court and subsequently remanded at the Oko Correctional Centre, Benin.
“A 42-year-old man was arrested for allegedly defiling his 15-year-old daughter. The suspect was charged to court on August 14, 2026 and remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre. Also arrested was a 29-year-old over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl in Okhoro. The suspect was said to have lured the child to an uncompleted building behind his shop, where he was accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with her. The suspect has been arraigned and remanded at the Oko Correctional Centre.
“Police have recovered a Lexus 350 saloon car stolen during a robbery operation in Iduowinna community. Six-armed hoodlums invaded a compound on Jesus Christ Street, about 1.15am robbing residents of phones, laptops, wristwatches, perfumes and human hair.
“The command is implementing community policing, applying professionalism when operatives are carrying out their duties. I have advised them on discipline, professionalism and integrity as core values every officer must up-hold.
“Today, Edo is calm and safe with the cooperation of the citizens and support of government. We have stepped up night patrols, aimed at reinforcing the policing commitment to serving and protecting the community. Officers are advised to stay alert and be proactive in preventing crime and ensuring public safety.
“Officers are to conduct patrol with diligence, respect, courtesy and respect the right of the citizens. Our aim is to assess the operational effectiveness of the units, identify challenges and implement effective solutions. The strategy is to strengthen community policing and enhance security measures.
“Officers should shun corruption and illegal duty. They should have good relationship with the public and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens. The command will continue to support the police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information. Security is a collective responsibility all together. We can build a safer and more peaceful Edo state. We remain steadfast in commitment to protecting life and property through intelligence-led community-oriented and proactive policing.
“Police operatives arrested 10 suspected armed robbers terrorising Auchi and Benin. Police tactical team raided hideouts on Benin-Agbor Expressway, Benin-Ore Expressway, Benin-Auchi Expressway including Benin-Sapele Expressway and arrested suspected kidnappers.
We urge members of the public to continue supporting the Nigeria police force with timely, credible information that will assist in prevention and combating crime.
“I have visited traditional rulers and encouraged them to reinforce security collaboration with the police and other stakeholders to ensure a safer state. We will continue the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Edo State.”
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